Ageia waiting on Microsoft for physics support

IN OUR conversation with Ageia CEO Manju Hegde, we didn't hesitate to ask about Microsoft and its role in physics.

There is no API from Microsoft that actually supports or cares about the physics and DirectX 10 is definitely not going to have the physics part, at least not at the beginning.

Ageia has been talking to Microsoft for some time and both companies are considering how they can make the physics better. The important guys - the engineers - are talking, so we're not dabbling with pure marketing strategies and hoyt air. Those people actually do something concrete.

Microsoft doesn't not focus that much on physics, it has its own troubles with delays to Vista. The first priority is to get Vista out, and later the big Vole will likely focus on secondary things such as physics. If it likes what it sees, it will make the effort to standardise the market for physics add-ons.

Ageia sends a clear message. It can support any kind of direct physics approach so even if Microsoft takes things in its hands Ageia hardware will be there to support it. Sounds very optimistic and promising.

Some people criticised Ageia for controlling the API and hardware but bear in mind that the company can change the API and update it when necessary. And, of course, it can add new features with new drivers. Not all capabilities have yet been explored. µ